Canada Day fireworks & celebrations in and around Toronto

Happy birthday, Canada! The country turns 146 on July 1 and to celebrate, there will be fireworks, barbeques and parties across the GTA.

Toronto’s official Canada Day celebration will take place July 1 at Mel Lastman Square in North York and city spokesperson Giannina Warren promised the evening – which will include a variety of different music and dance genres – will finish with a “jaw-dropping” fireworks finale.

Starting at 5 p.m, there will be music and dance performances as well as arts and crafts for children. Lisa Odjig, a two-time world champion hoop dancer, as well as the Northbuck Krumping, one of Canada’s premier dance companies specializing in Krump – will take the stage.

Kids can make their own Canada Day hat or dancing moose puppet.

“There’s a last-minute addition to our lineup – Zero Gravity Circus will presents their show Open Air Big Top in the Garden Court at the Square,” Warren said.

The aerial acrobats will perform at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m.

At 8 p.m., Aboriginal pop group She King will perform, followed by two-time Juno-Award winner Derek Miller at 9:15 pm.

“Canada Day would not be complete without our famous fireworks show,” Warren said. That will begin at approximately 10:15 p.m.

Here’s a look at what else is happening across the city:

Ashbridges Bay

Fireworks will light up the sky starting at 9:30 p.m. at Ashbridges Bay Park, near Lake Shore Boulevard and Coxwell Avenue area. Free.

The annual family-friendly celebration runs June 28 – July 1 at Etobicoke’s Centennial Park, with live music, a children’s show every day at noon, and of course, ribs. There will be 16 vendors on hand, including halal options. $2.

Travel back in time with horse-drawn wagon rides , tours of the historic village – and “ancient” ales in the brewery for adults. Forty people will also be sworn in as Canadian citizens. Adult admission $15, kids (five-15) $11. Kids under four are free.

The 47th annual picnic – billed as the largest, free, multicultural event of its kind in the world- runs for three days at Exhibition Place. Last year, more than 250,000 attended, taking in live music, a petting zoo and the ever-popular bikini competitions. June 29-July 1. Free.

The Mariposa company is offering its annual harbour cruise and this year, there are two options. The larger Mariposa cruise has dinner, dancing and fireworks as seen from the water. If a full cruise doesn’t float your boat, try the smaller (and less-expensive) Oriole experience just to watch the fireworks from the inner harbour. $25-$82.95.

Electronic Nation presents the first and only multi-day EDM festival in downtown Toronto. A slew of artists – including Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk and Datsik – will cover three stages at The Flats at Ontario Place. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday.

Head down to Centre Island to watch the 129th annual Canada Day regatta. The races alternate between rowing, canoe, kayak, and dragon boat teams – and if you’ve watched (or raced) in the past, the club is looking for old programs and memories.

East York has celebrated Canada Day with a parade for over 50 years. This year, it begins with a motorcade and ends with performances from the Trip Doubt Celtic Rock Band and Slim Chance and the Blue Horizon – and of course, fireworks.

Elliott Brood headlines the culturally diverse three-day event at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. Dance is the central theme for the weekend, but there’s plenty else on offer, including a global market and performances from Alex Cuba. Fireworks are Sunday night.

The day will begin at noon with a 21-gun salute and will be followed by music and dance performances on multiple stages. There’s a main stage, a children’s stage and a dance stage, plus activities all over the legislature grounds. There will be face-painting, a video arcade and ostriches. Yes, ostriches.

Begin the day with food truck eats and circus performances, and end with fireworks and music from Down With Webster. The Beaches-based band headlines the free Mississauga show, across from Square One. DJ duo Kissette, Crystalyne, Eleven Past One and Young Empires will also perform.

Clubland singer Mia Martina and dance band These Kids Wear Crowns headline the celebration at Mackenzie Glen District Park in Maple. There’s also an inflatable zone for the kids. The free event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Heads up: There is no public parking at the park, but free shuttles will run from Vaughan City Hall to the event site.

Canadian rockers Hedley and special guest Anjulie will headline the Canada Day concert at Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park. The event begins at noon with performances on the community stage and amusement rides, a splash pad, mini putt and petting zoo in the park. Main stage events begin at 6 p.m. and fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

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